Claims commissioner within eight weeks, Delhi Metro tells HC

New Delhi, March 25: The Delhi Metro Tuesday informed the Delhi High Court Tuesday that it will appoint a claims commissioner within eight weeks so that people don’t have to “run around” for compensation.

Justice Manmohan disposed of the plea seeking appointment of claims commissioner in Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) after it assured such an official would be appointed.

The court was hearing the plea of a woman who lost her son in an accident when he was climbing down the escalator at Chawri Bazar Metro station and is seeking Rs.10 lakh compensation.

The court asked the petitioner to approach the claims commissioner after the appointment.

Asiya Begum moved the court saying the DMRC rejected her application last March, contending that it was not the Metro’s fault and her son died due to his own negligence.

Khan Mohammad, 25, was travelling on the Metro Dec 11, 2011. While climbing down the escalator in middle of a huge crowd, he lost his footing and fell down, leading to his death, the plea said.

“It is the duty of the Metro authorities to have arranged adequate staff to prevent any mishaps at the Metro stations in which they failed, and there being no proper medical support available, Khan died. It is the authority’s duty to compensate for the same,” the plea said.